Using a 42" TV as a monitor for a Mac Mini

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2012 Mac Mini with 16GB RAM
I've finally ordered a new Mac Mini with wireless keyboard and mouse. I have a small HD monitor (21.5") that I was going to use with the Mac Mini. However, i've been toying with the idea of using my 42" TV as the monitor.

Has anyone used a large TV as a monitor before? Any issues?

I haven't used a Mac before so just want to spend a couple of months playing around with it before it replaces my Windows PC.
 
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MBP 17" 2011, 2.3GHz Intel Quad-Core i7, 8GB RAM, MacMini 2011, 2.7GHz Intel Dual-Core i7, 8GB RAM
My Mac Mini is connected to my 65" HDTV. Now, it is serving strictly as my media center serving to my Apple TV's. I generally only connect to it via ScreenSharing from my MBP.

I have, because I could, tried working on it for fun with the TV as the monitor, and to be honest, it's too big. Even sitting across the room from it. a 42", may be ok, however depending on how far away you are, and if it is 1080i, then it may be difficult to read text. that was my biggest issue was reading text. For watching movies, it was perfect.
 
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Yes, i'll be sitting quite a few feet away on the sofa. It will save me installing another monitor. Do you know if the HDMI connection on the Mac Mini sends sound to the TV too? I've currently got my Sky box and Xbox 360 connected to the 42" TV and having the Mac Mini connected would just round things off nicely.
 

bobtomay

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Personally, I can't handle text from OS X on a large screen at too low a resolution - yes, 1080p (1920x1080) on a 42" screen is too low for a computer monitor - and why the iMac 21" is 1920x1080 while the 27" is 2560x1440.

That's all personal taste and quite a few don't mind it. For video/media it's not a problem. I'd recommend testing it out for your personal preference prior to purchasing another monitor unless you ever need to be on the computer while simultaneously watching your Sky box.

Yes, the HDMI port should support audio.
 
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Okay, i'll try it out. I have a brand new full-HD 21.5inch monitor already that I could unpack and use if the TV doesn't work out.
 

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